Effect of diabetes mellitus on quantitative corneal anatomy – A systemic review

Abstract

Background: Corneal changes occur as a direct consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM). The central corneal thickness (CCT) is a useful parameter that provides information about the status of the metabolism of the cornea and can therefore help monitor the progression of DM. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of DM on CCT and its correlation with diabetes duration and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Methods: The systematic review was undertaken to answer: (1) What effect does DM have on CCT values? (2) What effect does DM duration have on CCT values? (3) What effect does HbA1c levels have on CCT values? The Web of Science was used to conduct a computerised search for articles of CCT values in DM. Results: A total of 38 articles that met the criteria for inclusion were included in this systemic review. The researchers found 27 articles that observed increased CCT values in DM patients compared with control subjects. There were six studies in which increased CCT values were related to DM duration and 12 studies in which DM duration did not alter CCT values. Also, eight studies showed that CCT values increased with glycated haemoglobin levels, and 12 studies did not observe this. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus patients usually present with increased CCT values although there is no unanimity about the effect of DM duration and increased HbA1c levels (poor glycaemic control) in the CCT values of DM patients.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• central corneal thickness
• glycated haemoglobin levels
• diabetes duration
• systemic review
• corneal endothelial pathology
• pachymetry
• ocular surface
• corneal hydration